New Delhi: Nuclear bombs may soon be among our fears. That is because the Chinese scientists had developed a bomb that could lead to catastrophic damage like that of a nuclear explosion without using uranium or plutonium. The mind-blowing blast was a consequence of powder-like silver.
Hydro-Powered Apparatus Produces Mega-Detonation (No Radiation)
The test was carried out on a unique hydrogen-based instrument to trigger a large-scale chemical chain reaction, the South China Morning Post stated, citing people familiar with the matter. What comes out the other end is a ball of fire hotter than 1000°C that burns for a full 2 seconds (roughly 15 times longer than traditional explosives).
Construction by China State Shipbuilding Corporation
Scientists from the 705 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) developed the device. Unbelievably, there were no nuclear materials used to produce the hydrogen bomb. It was magnesium hydride — a fine silver-coloured powder — that was behind the explosion. Originally intended to transport hydrogen to areas without electricity, this material is currently undergoing recycling for use in weapons.
How it Works: A non-radiative explosive game-changer
Upon excitation by a conventional explosive, the magnesium hydride is rapidly heated to a temperature that releases hydrogen (H₂), which is very reactive and bursts into instantaneous ignition. The fireball is much more powerful than regular bombs, and it works without radiation. This capability is what makes the device a new kind of hydrogen bomb.
Significant Milestone Achieved in Magnesium Hydride Production
Up until this point, scientists were only able to create grams of magnesium hydride a day because the process necessary to do so requires high temperatures and pressures. Likewise, sudden detonation may also occur for the gaseous oxygen contacting the air. On the other hand, China has since constructed a megafactory in Shanxi Province able to produce up to 150 tonnes of magnesium hydride a year.
Hydrogen: An Energy Story Full of Power
According to researchers, burning hydrogen is very simple and requires very little energy to ignite hydrogen, which can then quickly spread. That makes it significantly more destructive than conventional explosives and has the benefit of no radiation.
Other Possible Uses (except weapons)
Not just for weapons, this technology is also designed to power submarine fuel cells and long-range drones (affecting potential energy sources for military and civilian applications).